“But she might have sense enough to take some one else’s word for it,� Tibby replied, tapping the floor with her foot.
“Ah, Miss Tibby, I’m afraid we all like to experience for ourselves. We don’t relish excitements second-hand, nor always have faith in the words of others.�
“Well,—I—hope I’m forgiven,� Tibby faltered.
“Indeed, yes, if there was anything to forgive. I didn’t think there was. In fact, I am sure there was nothing of the kind. However, it must be pleasant to exercise the divine function and have no room in one’s heart to remember a wrong. How pleasant this fire is. Nature makes recompense for all the cold and storm outside by giving us the blessing of fire.�
“Yes,� absently replied Tibby, twirling her handkerchief about her finger, and gazing before her in abstraction.
“I am afraid you are thinking, Miss Tibby,� Donald said, after an interval of silence, in which both had studied the fire.
Tibby turned and looked at him with challenging eyes.
“Would you know of what I am thinking?� she asked.
“If I might dare ask so much, yes.�
“I was wondering what one should do who has done what she regrets.�